Arafura Shelf
Quick Summary
The Arafura Shelf is a stable, shallow part of the ocean floor that extends from the northern coast of Australia to New Guinea. It is part of the larger Sahul Shelf and is mostly covered by the Arafura Sea, a shallow body of water within the western Pacific Ocean. This shelf was once above sea level and shows signs of erosion from ancient streams.12
The Arafura Shelf is characterized by its generally shallow depths, ranging from 165 to 260 feet (50 to 80 meters). It is a significant area for navigation, though it contains uncharted shoals that pose hazards. The waters around the Aru Islands within the Arafura Sea are known for pearl harvesting.2
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